5 Days Momella Route

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Momella Route is the primary trail used to climb Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet). Located within Arusha National Park, the trek offers stunning scenery, including lush rainforest, wildlife encounters, volcanic ash cones, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is considered less crowded than Kilimanjaro and provides a great acclimatization climb for trekkers preparing for Kilimanjaro.

Key Features of the Momella Route on Mount Meru:

  1. Wildlife Encounters: Animals like giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and colobus monkeys in Arusha National Park.
  2. Scenic Diversity: Grasslands, montane forests, heather and moorlands, alpine deserts, and Arctic conditions.
  3. Little Meru Acclimatization: A climb to Little Meru (3,820 m) for stunning views and altitude adjustment.
  4. Ash Cone Views: Unique volcanic feature inside the Meru Crater.
  5. Meru Crater and Socialist Peak: Breathtaking crater views and summit at Socialist Peak (4,566 m).
  6. Quiet and Uncrowded Trails: A serene trekking experience compared to Kilimanjaro routes.
  7. Challenging Terrain: Steep ascents and scree slopes requiring trekking poles and proper gear.
  8. Accessibility: Conveniently located near Arusha (1–2-hour drive).
  9. Summit Sunrise: Spectacular sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzanian plains.
  10. Rich Flora and Fauna: Unique plants like giant groundsels and lobelias, alongside vibrant rainforest ecosystems.

Other Destinations

Tanzania safari tours

4 days Via Momella Route

ITINERARY BRIEFING

  • TAILOR THIS PACKAGE
Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
  • Activity:
    • After breakfast, transfer to Arusha National Park (approximately 1–2 hours). Complete park formalities at Momella Gate.
    • Begin trekking through open grasslands and lush forests, encountering wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. Stop at the Mayo Falls for a short break.
    • Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut, where you will settle in, have dinner, and rest for the night.
  • Elevation: 1,500 m to 2,514 m
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 4–6 hours
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
  • Activity:
    • After breakfast, trek through forests transitioning to heather and moorland zones. Pass by the Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge), offering stunning views of Mount Meru Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro.
    • Enjoy a warm lunch at Saddle Hut. In the afternoon, take a short hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) for acclimatization and sunset views before returning to Saddle Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Elevation: 2,514 m to 3,570 m
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Time: 4–5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Saddle Hut
  • Activity:
    • Spend the day exploring the area near Saddle Hut. Take a longer hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) for acclimatization.
    • Enjoy spectacular views of the Meru Crater, Ash Cone, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to Saddle Hut for dinner and overnight.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Saddle Hut to Summit (Socialist Peak) to Miriakamba Hut
  • Activity:
    • Wake up around midnight for a light snack and tea before beginning the summit attempt. Trek through steep volcanic ash trails and ridges, reaching the summit (Socialist Peak, 4,566 m) by sunrise. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscapes.
    • Descend back to Saddle Hut for brunch and a brief rest. Continue descending to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
  • Elevation: 3,570 m to 4,566 m (summit) to 2,514 m
  • Distance: 20 km (round trip)
  • Time: 10–12 hours
  • Meals: Light Snack, Brunch, Dinner
Day 5: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate and Transfer
  • Activity:
    • After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Momella Gate. Along the way, enjoy opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
    • Receive your climbing certificate at the gate, followed by a transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
  • Elevation: 2,514 m to 1,500 m
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 2–4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • PACKAGE INCLUDE
  • Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head.
  • Mount Meru Permits, camping / hut fees, rescue fees and Value added Tax
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, chef and porters
  • Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
  • Mountain tents, double occupancy
  • Sleeping pad, foam, sleeping bag & trekking poles.
  • Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
  • Nutrition meals on the mountain
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
  • All ground Transfers
  • PACKAGE EXCLUDE
  • International flights
  • Tanzanian Visa
  • Trekking gears rentals
  • Tips for guides and cooks
  • All things of personal nature
  • Extra meals and drinks
  • Extended tours